Salts of partial fatty esters of carboxylic polymers useful in aqueous coating compositions



United States Patent 3,428,588 SALTS OF PARTIAL FATTY ESTERS 0F CAR- BOXYLIC POLYMERS USEFUL IN AQUEOUS COATING COMPOSITIONS Martin Skoultchi, New York, N.Y., and Joseph Fertig,

Elizabeth, N..I., assiguors to National Starch and Chemical Corporation, New York, N.Y., a corporation of Delaware No Drawing. Filed Aug. 30, 1965, Ser. No. 483,818 US. Cl. 26023 8 Claims Int. Cl. C08f 27/12; C09d 3/ 74 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A method for preparing air-drying, crosslinkable resin compositions and the compositions thus prepared, comprising the process of reacting a vinyl polymer containing anhydride groups within its molecule with an esteralcohol derived from an unsaturated fatty acid.

This invention relates to a method for the preparation of water soluble, readily crosslinkable, resin compositions and, more particularly, to the novel resin compositions thus prepared.

Water soluble, crosslinkable resin compositions comprising the reaction products of polymeric alcohols with unsaturated fatty acids have heretofore been prepared, in most instances, through the use of a Diels-Alder type reaction with maleic anhydride. Such procedures, however, have the disadvantage of consuming part of the available unsaturation which is present in the fatty acid in order to provide the resulting reaction products with water soluble properties. Thus, since such resin compositions crosslink through reactions which occur at their unsaturated sites, there is a severe reduction in the crosslinking potential, and the properties dependent thereon, which is exhibited by the products prepared by means of these Diels- Alder reaction procedures.

Where attempts have been made to avoid the use of Diels-Alder systems in effecting the direct reaction between polyanhydrides and polyols, additional problems have arisen. Thus, the concentration of the anhydride moieties in the resins has been rather limited and strictly controlled in order to prevent the occurrence of softness or gellation in these products. Their anhydride content has also been limited in order to permit the reaction to proceed for a sufiicient length of time inasmuch as a premature termination of such reactions would result in resins exhibiting high acid numbers and correspondingly poor compatibility characteristics. In addition, only low molecular weight anhydride copolymers have been found applicable to these reaction procedures because of the tendency of higher molecular weight copolymers to crosslink during the course of the reaction. Of more significance, however, is the fact that the resin products resulting from such techniques fail to exhibit the highly desirable property of solubility in water because of the insufficient number of carboxyl groups present therein.

Attempts have also been made to react polyacids or polyanhydrides with unsaturated fatty alcohols. However, the relative unavailability of such alcohols makes this type of process commercially unattractive.

Thus, it is the prime object of this invention to prepare air-drying, crosslinkable resin compositions characterized by their water solubility and their ability to crosslink on curing at ambient temperatures. It is a further object to provide a procedure for preparing such resin compositions which does not result in reducing the number of reactive double bonds which are present in the compositions. Various other objects and advantages of our inven- "ice tion will become apparent to the practitioner in the course of this disclosure.

The products of this invention comprise the novel, synthetic resins which are produced by means of condensation polymerization techniques resulting in compositions containing, as part of the molecule thereof, at least on mer, i.e., a repetitive chemical structural unit, corresponding to the following formula:

wherein R is a radical selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phenyl, substituted phenyl, methoxy and acetoxy radicals; wherein R R R and R are radicals selected from the group consisting of hydrogen radicals and alkyl radicals; and, wherein x is an integer having a value of from 27 to 33 inclusive.

In brief, the procedure for preparing the novel products of this invention comprises reacting a vinyl polymer containing anhydride groups within its molecule, with an ester-alcohol prepared from a polyunsaturated fatty acid or a mixture of such acids. The resulting resin compositions thus contain the water solubilizing carboxyl group as part of their vinyl polymer backbone and not as part of a side chain to which it has been aflixed at the expense of reducing the number of double bonds in the fatty acid moiety of the polymers. The maintenance of these double bonds in the fatty acid moiety of our novel polymers renders the resulting compositions more active in terms of their ability to crosslink on drying in air.

The anhydride containing vinyl copolymers applicable for use in the process of this invention are those polymers containing at least one mer which corresponds to the formula:

I R 1 R2 I wherein R represents a radical selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phenyl, substituted phenyl, methoxy, and acetoxy radicals; and, wherein R and R are radicals selected from the group consisting of hydrogen radicals and alkyl radicals. These anhydride containing vinyl copolymers are ordinarily commercially available or, if desired, they can be readily prepared by any one of the free radical polymerization techniques Well known to those skilled in the art. The anhydride component of these vinyl copolymers may be derived from any ethylenically unsaturated anhydrides capable of undergoing free radical initiated polymerization reactions. Thus, although copolymers of maleic anhydride are preferred for use in the process of this invention, one may also employ copolymers of substituted maleic anhydrides, citraconic anhydride, and itaconic anhydride, etc. In all cases, however, the selected anhydride comonomers should constitute from about 5 to 50 mole percent of the resulting anhydride containing copolymer while the molecular weight of the latter copolymer should be in the range of from about 500 to 7000.

There is a wide choice with regard to the selection of the ethylenically unsaturated comonomers which may be copolymerized with the selected anhydride monomer.

Thus, one may employ any one or more of the following group of comonomers: styrene and substituted styrenes, such as vinyl toluene, chlorostyrene, and alphamethyl styrene; the acrylic and methacrylic acid esters of aliphatic alcohols, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, isobutyl, amyl, hexyl, 2-ethyl hexyl, octyl, lauryl and stearyl alcohols; acrylic acids; methacrylic acids; acrylamide; methacrylamide; acrylonitrile; methacrylonitrile; butadiene-1,3 and chlorobutadiene-1,3; vinyl chloride; vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, and other vinyl esters; vinyl alkyl ethers; vinylidene compounds, such as vinylidene chloride; isoprene; ethylene; propylene; and, tetrafiuoroethylene.

The polyunsaturated fatty acids, from which the esteralcohols used in the process of this invention are prepared, are derived from the hydrolysis of such drying oils as soya, safliower, linseed, dehydrated castor, tung, oiticica, etc. Thus, among the 18 carbon atom, unsaturated fatty acids applicable for use in the preparation of these ester-alcohols are oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, eleostearie acid, licanic acid, and ricinoleic acid, etc. For purposes of this invention, no distinction is to be noted between fatty acids containing conjugated double bonds and those containing non-conjugated double bonds, although in actual use, conjugated systems are found to provide faster drying times in the resins resulting from the process of this invention. The ester-alcohols may be prepared by any of the reaction procedures well known to those skilled in the art for use in the preparation of such compounds. Thus, one may employ the technique involving the base catalyzed addition of an epoxide to the unsaturated acid or to a mixture of such unsaturated acids. Also applicable is the technique of partially esterifying a glycol with the fatty acid. Thus, the ester-alcohols of fatty acids applicable for use in the process of this invention correspond to the formula:

wherein R and R represent radicals selected from the group consisting of hydrogen radicals and alkyl radicals: and wherein x is an integer having a value of from 27 to 33 inclusive. For purposes of brevity, the latter reagents will hereinafter be referred to as ester-alcohols.

In addition, any aliphatic or aromati monofunctional alcohols may be used, if desired, in amounts not exceeding about mole percent of the total ester-alcohol content, in conjunction with the above cited ester-alcohols. Typical of such aliphatic alcohols are tetrahydrofurfuryl, octyl and lauryl alcohols, etc., which such aromatic alcohols may include benzyl alcohol and phenoxyethanol. These aliphatic and aromatic monofunctional alcohols are included in order to impart varied additional properties to the resulting resin compositions or the films derived therefrom. Thus, for example, benzyl or tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohols may be included to increase mar resistance and toughness in the crosslinked films derived from the resin compositions of this invention.

In more detail, now, the procedure for the preparation of the novel resins of this invention comprises the addition, under agitation, of the selected anhydride containing vinyl copolymer to the selected ester-alcohol. The reaction is conducted in an inert atmosphere, such as nitro gen or carbon dioxide, in order to prevent oxidation of the fatty acid unsaturation. The rate of addition of the anhydride copolymer is controlled so as to avoid having the reaction temperature fall below about 190 C. This insures rapid solution of the vinyl polymer while eliminating the tendency for it to agglomerate. The reaction then proceeds for a period of about /2 to 3 hours at a reaction temperature of from about 190 to 270 C. The resulting product may be filtered hot (approximately 140 C.) through any means equipped to fully remove all extraneous solid residue present therein. The resin compositions thus prepared should have a molecular weight in the range of from about 1000 to 8000 and an acidity of from about 0.53 to 2.70 milliequivalents per gram.

Although the reaction proceeds at a rapid rate without the use of catalysts, a hydrogen ion catalyzed system, such as that which results from the presence of mineral acids, may be used if desired. The use of solvents in the reaction is also unnecessary; however, if solvents are used, it is essential that they should be inert with respect to both the anhydride containing copolymers and the ester-alcohols. Thus, anhydrous solvents such, for example, as xylene and mineral spirits, etc. are applicable.

With respect to proportions, the ester-alcohol should be present in a concentration which is from about 20 to mole percent of the available anhydride groups present in the anhydride containing vinyl copolymer.

It is necessary to have some free carboxyl groups present in the resulting resin compositions in order to attain the desired water solubility therein. Thus, complete esterification results in resins which are soluble in organic solvents, thereby nullifying the properties desired in the resin compositions of this invention.

The carboxyl groups present in the polymer chain of our novel resin products are ordinarily neutralized with a base in order to effect their solubilization by converting them into the form of a salt. The choice of neutralizing base to be utilized is left to the discretion of the practitioner, although such factors as volatility, economy, odor, and inertness to the polymer system, etc. must be considered. Among applicable bases are inorganic bases such as sodium, potassium, lithium and ammonium hydroxides, amines such as trimethyl, triethyl, and triisopropyl amine, and alkanolamines such as dimethylaminoethanol, triethanolamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, diethylaminoethanol, and triisopropanolamine, etc.

The films derived from the resin composition of this invention are hard, durable, and resistant to water and alkali. These beneficial properties result directly from the crosslinking of these novel resin compositions; the crosslinking having occurred at their unsaturated sites. In addition, these films show rapid drying characteristics at ambient temperatures.

The resin composition resulting from the process of this invention are found to be extremely stable and may be stored for prolonged periods with no danger of any premature curing or other spoilage. As previously noted, these resin compositions may be used in a variety of applications as coatings and binders.

The following examples will further illustrate the embodiment of this invention. In these examples all parts given are by weight unless otherwise noted.

Example I This example illustrates the preparation of the novel resin compositions of this invention.

- A reaction vessel fitted with a stirrer, thermometer, steam condenser and an inert gas sparge was evacuated and provided with a carbon dioxide atmosphere. Under agitation, the vessel was thereupon charged with 675 parts (2.0 moles) of the hydroxypropyl ester of safflower fatty acids and was then heated to 205 C. While stirring continued, 865 parts (2.1 moles) of a styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer containing 25 mole percent of maleic anhydride and having a molecular weight of 1900 was introduced at such a rate that the internal temperature of the system did not fall below 190 C. The now com plete reaction mixture was then heated to 235240 C. and, while under agitation, was maintained at the latter temperature for a period of one hour. The resulting product was then cooled to C. over a period of 1% hours, whereupon it was filtered hot through fine cheese cloth in order to remove any solid residue present therein. The resin composition thus obtained was in the form of a viscous oil and had a molecular weight in the order of 3700.

5 In order to determine the quantity of the desired carboxyl groups in the latter resin composition, its acidity was determined by titrating a benzene-methanol solution of the resin with alcoholic potassium hydroxide. The 0:0

amount of acidity was thus calculated as 0.928 milli- I equivalents/ gram. I

Example II (E This example illustrates both the water solubility and the crosslinking properties of the novel resin compositions of this invention.

A 2 g i i fi i the resm f wfi g wherein R is a radical selected from the group consisting Preparef i' merema g I 1 of hydrogen, phenyl, substituted phenyl, methoxy and K f and fi i Ce was acetoxy radicals; wherein R R R and R are radicals to as to t ere i j e resm' selected from the group consisting of hydrogen radicals 2 contammg i dlmet Y anfmoethamflfn and alkyl radicals; and, wherein x is an integer having a 0 parts at water wast en ad ed to neutralize the acidity value of from 27 to 33 inclusive; comprising reacting an of the resm by fommig salt h q t The resultmg anhydride containing vinyl copolymer having at least clear, homogeneous so utron was indicat ve of thetendone mer corresponding to the formula ency of the resin compositions to readily solublllze in aqueous media. I" R R R: "I

To the above prepared solution, 1.0 part of a Water dispersable drier containing 24%, by weight, of lead and I 0.5 part of a water dispersable drier containing 6%, by weight, of cobalt, were added. A 3 mil wet film of the re- 0 sulting polymer solution was then cast on a glass plate. 25

After air-drying for two days at ambient temperatures, f? R represents radlcal selecled from the group the film was found to be impervious to attack from dilute conslstmg of hydrogeil phenyl substmited phenyl, meth' alkali as Well as from acetone and other common orgaand acetoxy radlcals; f, R1 and R2 are nic solvents. This extraordinary resistance to the latter radicals Sdected from} the group l t ng of hydrogen materials is clearly indicative of a high degree of cross radlcals and alkyl rad1cals; and an ester-alcohol of at least linking on the part of the novel resins of this invention. 2 golyunsaturated fatty and corresponding to the o mu a Example III 0 R This example further illustrates the preparation of'the C H I; 0 A 5 OH novel resin compositions of this invention utilizing .a va- 39 r riety of anhydride copolymers, and ester-alcohol combiwherein R and R represent radicals selected from the nations. group consisting of hydrogen radicals and alkyl radicals;

The formulations appearing in the table below were and, wherein x is an integer having a value of from 27 to prepared by means of the procedure described in Example 40 33 inclusive; said reaction being conducted at a tempera- I, hereinabove. ture of from-about 190 C. to 270 C. and for a period Acidity of Resulting anhydride Copolymer Ester-alcohol Comp.

(Milliequiva- Mole percent Parts Hydroxy-propyl ester Parts lents/gram) maleic anhydride Oomonorner copolymer of fatty acids fromester-alcohol 25 Styrene 865 Soya oil 675 0.910 25 do 865 Linseed oil 675 0.927 33 .do 258 Safilower oil 270 0.921 33 do t 258 Dehydrated caster oil- 270 1.085 .do..- 555 Safflower 675 1.835 50 ..do 485 Soya oil 675 0. 843 50 Ethylene 302 Dehydrated caster o1 675 0.886 50 Methyl vinyl ether 374 Sat-Bower oil 675 1.001 25 Styrene 244 85 mole percent safiiower oil,

15 mole percent diallyl ether of trimethylol propane 182. 2 0. 938 50 do 243 85 mole percent safliower oil,

15 mole percent benzoic acid 337. 6 0. 808 50 do 139 85 mole percent safllower oil, 15 mole percent tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol 172.7 0.818

of from about /2 to 3 hours; wherein said anhydride containing vinyl copolymer contains from about 5 to 50 mole mole percent of an anhydride comonomer and has a molecular weight in the range of from about 500 to 7000; and, wherein the concentration of said ester-alcohol which is present in said reaction system is from about 20 to mole percent of the available anhydride groups present in said anhydride containing vinyl copolymer.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the reaction system also contains a monofunctional alcohol selected from the group consisting of aliphatic and aromatic alcohols; wherein said monofunctional alcohol is present in a conwherein R is a radical selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phenyl, substituted phenyl, methoxy and acetoxy radicals; wherein R R R and R, are radicals selected from the group consisting of hydrogen radicals and alkyl radicals; and, wherein x is an integer having a value of from 27 to 33 inclusive.

6. The resin composition of claim 5, wherein its molecular weight is in the range of from about 1000 to 8000.

7. The resin composition of claim 5, wherein its acidity value is from about 0.53 to 2.70 milliequivalents per gram.

8. The resin composition of claim 5, wherein the carboxyl groups contained therein have been neutralized by reaction with a base selected from the group consisting of inorganic bases, amines and alkanolamines.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,977,334 3/1961 Zopf et a1. 26027 2,997,464 8/1961 Sellers 26078.5 3,085,986 4/1963 Muskat 26031.8 3,085,994 4/ 1963 Muskat 26078.5 3,098,834 7/1963 Jerabek 260-23.7 3,284,385 11/1966 DAlelio 26023 3,340,295 9/1967 Wheeler et a1. 260486 3,357,936 12/1967 Zimmerman, et al. 26022 3,134,759 5/ 1964 Kirkpatrick et al 2.6097.5

DONALD E. CZAJA, Primary Examiner.

R. A. WHITE, Assistant Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 

